What Not to Mix with Lactic Acid?
When using products containing lactic acid and other AHAs, it is best not to use them with vitamin C. This is because the mixture of these acids can cause an imbalance in the pH of the skin, rendering each ingredient useless.
Sometimes it seems strange when you think about how a derivative of sour milk can produce incredibly impressive skin results. But that is exactly what lactic acid is, and its benefits have been known for centuries. It is known as the gentlest alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and is suitable for almost all skin types, each with specific benefits when using chemical peels in your daily skincare routine.
What Not to Use Lactic Acid for?
Many people like to use it in toners or similar products, but this acid is not limited to skin exfoliation. Lactic acid also has hydrating properties, which means it can balance the skin by drawing moisture from the surrounding area and moisture from the skincare formula into the skin. This allows AHAs to be incorporated into other skin and body products, such as gentle cleansers, hand creams, and body moisturizers.
As you can see, it’s a very versatile ingredient, and its structure ensures that it remains gentle on the skin, while the large molecules prevent it from penetrating too deeply into the lower layers of the skin, which could cause irritation. As for what you shouldn’t do with lactic acid, there’s really not much that this all-rounder can’t do. Even though lactic acid is gentle on the skin, it’s always a good idea to do a 24-hour patch test before using the product to ensure that there won’t be any rashes or irritations.
Can Lactic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid be used together?
Absolutely! Hyaluronic acid is an ingredient that every skin type can use. Due to its high water content and moisturizing properties, you’d be crazy not to add this ingredient to your daily routine. When you combine hyaluronic acid and lactic acid together, you’re essentially preparing your skin for continuous hydration throughout the day, thanks to the moisturizing properties of both ingredients. But you’ll also find that using lactic acid to remove dead skin cells from the skin clears the way for hyaluronic acid to reach the lower layers of the skin and work its magic.
This will allow you to see results faster, such as B. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, keep the skin’s protective barrier fully functional, and be able to fight damage caused by free radicals that the face is exposed to every day.
Can Lactic Acid and Vitamin C be used together?
Yes and no, Vitamin C is a powerful ingredient that is valued by many for its skin-brightening and rejuvenating properties. Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C can fight signs of dark spots by working in the lower layers of the skin and preventing excess pigmentation from reaching the surface.
The only problem is that a mixture of lactic acid and vitamin C can be too harsh on the skin. Many skin care experts recommend using these powerful ingredients together if you leave enough time between uses. Alternatively, you can alternate between each formula, such as choosing to use a vitamin C-rich serum in the morning and lactic acid in the evening.
Using these ingredients in this way makes vitamin C a perfect team partner for lactic acid, as each ingredient targets similar skin concerns while working on different areas of the skin. So, using Vitamin C and lactic acid will not only restore your skin to a healthy, youthful glow, but it will also provide your skin with the protection it needs from the elements and daily aggressors.
Can I use lactic acid every night?
Yes, you can use lactic acid every night. The exfoliating properties of this AHA are fairly gentle and can remove all the impurities, dirt, and debris that your skin has accumulated throughout the day. The moisturizing properties of lactic acid are also very useful when used at night to restore the proper moisture levels of the skin barrier. This not only accelerates the effectiveness of other ingredients once they are applied to the skin, but also repairs any damage that the skin has sustained during the day.
Depending on your skin type, I would initially recommend using lactic acid once a week in the evening. Over time, as your skin develops a tolerance to the ingredient, you can move up to using it twice a day.
Do I need to apply a moisturizer after using lactic acid?
Yes, it is considered beneficial to apply a moisturizer after using lactic acid. The main benefit of moisturizers is not only the formula and active ingredients, but they are also a skincare product that creates a physical protective barrier on the outer surface of the skin. By ensuring your skin’s epidermis is fully functioning with the right amount of water and oil, you’ll find that your skin is able to resist any damage that may come in contact with your face throughout the day. I’m referring to pollution, UV radiation, central heating and bad weather, all of which can weaken the skin barrier and make various skin issues more likely to occur. As you can see, applying a moisturizer after using lactic acid will keep your skin healthy and prevent this from happening, and allow the acid to undisturbedly come into contact with potential skin damage.
How long does it take for lactic acid to work?
Generally speaking, you’ll see noticeable changes in your skin after using lactic acid 4-6 times as part of your skincare routine. As far as chemical peels go, an average of 2 treatments 1-2 months apart will result in better looking and feeling skin overall. Luckily, lactic acid is gentle enough to be used daily, but remember that the results won’t be seen overnight. So try not to overdo it with the acid as it can cause irritation.
Here are some insights on what you can and can’t mix with lactic acid. Don’t forget to visit my Procoal Instagram account.
